Sunsphere to Reopen, and Venable funny

Southern Graces Catering & Events of Knoxville has signed a sublease for two floors within the Sunsphere, developers Brian Conley of Knoxville-based Cardinal Enterprises and Jon Kinsey of Chattanooga-based Kinsey Probasco Hays announced today.

Southern Graces plans to launch its Sunsphere operation in September. The “Café Floor” will be open to the public and serve lunch and snacks and provide bar service in the evening, Southern Graces president Bob Sukenik said in a statement.

The “Event Floor” will provide catering services for a variety of business and social events.

This is great news for Knoxville, as its most recognizable landmark will finally become functional again. I can’t wait for my kids to be able to travel up into it and take a look out like I did, 25 years ago.

Because next month marks the silver anniversary of the 1982 World’s Fair, the following message from Bill Waldrop of Tellico Village is quite timely:

“I have in my wine cellar (aka basement garage) a six-pack of World’s Fair beer I’ve been saving for a special occasion. Do you think it is significant that the cans have swollen into a profile shaped like Phil Fulmer?”

This is funny because I think my dad still has a couple of 6-packs of World’s Fair beer stored in our basement. I think we should take it out and open it on May 1st, and see what’s become of it.

Ick.

I am glad, however, than another media person recognizes the 25th Anniversary of the World’s Fair opening is less than 18 days away.

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I hope Southern Graces cleans up their kitchen and resumes good graces with the Knox County Public Health Department. I understand they had a failing score upon inspection last week.

I only ate at the Sunsphere once – on my 27th birthday. It was a wonderful evening holding fond memories. I remember the mushroom salad that was served with my meal. I’ve recently eaten one similar to that at the Melting Pot in the Old City.